Hi guys found an 1996 XT600E which I may want to buy but would like some advice on the model before doing so.

I will not be stripping it down and doing lots of work I just want to buy it (or another) and ride it.
Advertised for £1400 in UK with an MOT and some history

It has good clean bodywork and sounds like a good buy from the photos. It's not local to me so I need to travel some distance but I remember discussions where it was said the later model was not as good as the earlier one. This has steel wheels and all the other cost savings Yamaha done but I need some advise as to whether it is a good buy or should I look for something else given the possible shortfalls of this year? Its quite low mileage and as you would expect it has had some work carried out with some history but I am a little unsure about making the journey at the moment.

Any observations would be appreciated.

I would ideally be buying a TT600 but none been available in my price range.

Only negatives ...Chrome steel wheels go rusty, 17 Inch REAR WHEEL, rear pipe rusts out. Other than that it served me very well! I would definitely change the spokes for stainless and source alloy 18 and 21 RIMS - far better choice of 18 inch tyres. Rear pipe lots of aftermarket choice. Surprise you want to go through the restore route when there are lots of low mileage examples out there? Charlie

Thanks guys for the replies. The rear pipe has been replace with an aftermarket type. The front pipes look a bit rusty so have been thinking about replacing with stainless or finding a good 2nd hand item. Carbs cleaned, new carb rubbers, new chain and F/R sprockets and new rear tyre.
There is some evidence of rust in rear wheel. I will have to take a closer look when I arrive. I was looking at replacing with an 18inch but not sure what that all involves regarding re siting of brake etc? Do wheel from other models fit as a direct replacement?
All plastics are good as is the seat which has been recovered but looks like a good job done.
Will post a picture when I get her home.

The 3aj rear wheel should fit but to be honest - the easiest route is buy the new stainless spokes and either new or second hand rims.
21 x 1.6 or 1.85 x 36hole and 18inch x 2.5 36 hole but be careful with rim profile as spokes may come up short unless you get them matched say from central wheel house components. Yamaha rims are quite stepped . I had mine powder coated black. enjoy. IF I AM WRONG PLEASE CORRECT ME

Thinking of fitting an Acerbis tank as the original side panels are not good and have been repaired a few times by the look of them when I got them off. I am unsure if the side panels will fit with the Acerbis tank as there does not appear to be anyway on the tank to put the front rubber retaining thingy's in. I can buy from Fowlers of Bristol the necessary rubber inserts and bolts to mount the panels which will be an improvement on the self tapping screws that were fitted by previous owner!

Question if tank is replaced with the Acerbis type do I have to change the side panels or is something available from a different model or how do I get around the (as I see it) problem?